polyethylene
noun
poly·eth·yl·ene
ˌpä-lē-ˈe-thə-ˌlēn 
: a polymer of ethylene
especially
: any of various partially crystalline lightweight thermoplastics (CH2CH2)x that are resistant to chemicals and moisture, have good insulating properties, and are used especially in packaging and insulation
Examples of polyethylene in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That’s largely because about 84% of Middle East polyethylene capacity relies on the Strait of Hormuz for waterborne exports, according to a note from Harrison Jacoby, director of PE at ICIS.
—
Jake Angelo, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026
Unlike typical wooden options, this one offers much easier maintenance thanks to its high-density polyethylene (HDPE) build that won’t require repainting nor leave you with pesky splinters.
—Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2026
The region accounts for roughly a quarter of global polyethylene and polypropylene exports, according to S&P Global Energy data.
—Julian Torres, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026
While not microplastics themselves, stearate salts are structurally similar to polyethylene, the type of plastic most often found in the environment.
—Anne McNeil, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for polyethylene
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Jake Angelo, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026
Unlike typical wooden options, this one offers much easier maintenance thanks to its high-density polyethylene (HDPE) build that won’t require repainting nor leave you with pesky splinters.
—Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2026
The region accounts for roughly a quarter of global polyethylene and polypropylene exports, according to S&P Global Energy data.
—Julian Torres, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026
While not microplastics themselves, stearate salts are structurally similar to polyethylene, the type of plastic most often found in the environment.
—Anne McNeil, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for polyethylene
Cite this Entry
“Polyethylene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyethylene. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
polyethylene
noun
poly·eth·yl·ene
ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn
: a lightweight plastic resistant to chemicals and moisture and used chiefly in packaging
Medical Definition
polyethylene
noun
poly·eth·yl·ene
ˌpäl-ē-ˈeth-ə-ˌlēn
: a polymer of ethylene
especially
: any of various lightweight thermoplastics (CH2CH2)x that are resistant to chemicals and moisture and are used especially in packaging, insulation, surgical implants, prostheses, and tubing
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